So after part ex'ing my 2015 GTi in against a new T6 transporter and being told I have to go in a multi storey car park at work after Xmas.  Tonight I have brought this and pick her up Saturday afternoon.  She is a 96 GLX 1.6.  I beleive she is flash red like my GTi was!  A few things to sort (that I am aware of currently, but bound to be more!) and comes with a lot of service history (and a couple of breakdown slips!)

i am very nervous as not owned a car this old (apart from my project 66 bug that doesn't go anywhere!) for a long time and worried she won't be reliable for a daily, but I will get her there!

 

 

Edited 14 December, 20169 yr by Buggirl

Looks good. Better than Tornado pink.

 

If it's got lots of genuine history (and breakdown slips sounds honest) should be fine.

For a private sale you got to ask why were they selling it... or you could have paid for a pre-purchase inspection if an expensive car.

 

Is it due for cambelt renewal? 

On a car of this age and with the advent of modern technology it pays to check the MOT history.

 

MOT history of this vehicle

• Test date16 August 2016
• Expiry date15 August 2017
• Test ResultPass
• Odometer reading106,848 miles
• MOT test number5562 9263 6055
• Advisory notice item(s)
  nearside rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

  Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

  nearside front Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

  both rear tires cracking

  nearside rear Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

  Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp does not illuminate (5.4.2)

The advisories are just that, advisories, but it may be wise to get the brake pipe, exhaust and body corrosion looked at sooner rather than later. Especially if you live in an area where they salt the roads constantly from now until March and you plan on using this as a daily. Tyres you'll be able to see for yourself if/when they need replacing and the wheel bearing probably just needs a nip up. 

 

The car looks nice and clean in the pictures though, especially for an early 6n. Being the GLX it should have all the creature comforts that were available at the time too.

17 hours ago, kwijibo_coupe said:

On a car of this age and with the advent of modern technology it pays to check the MOT history.

 

MOT history of this vehicle

• Test date16 August 2016
• Expiry date15 August 2017
• Test ResultPass
• Odometer reading106,848 miles
• MOT test number5562 9263 6055
• Advisory notice item(s)
  nearside rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

  Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

  nearside front Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

  both rear tires cracking

  nearside rear Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

  Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp does not illuminate (5.4.2)

The advisories are just that, advisories, but it may be wise to get the brake pipe, exhaust and body corrosion looked at sooner rather than later. Especially if you live in an area where they salt the roads constantly from now until March and you plan on using this as a daily. Tyres you'll be able to see for yourself if/when they need replacing and the wheel bearing probably just needs a nip up. 

 

The car looks nice and clean in the pictures though, especially for an early 6n. Being the GLX it should have all the creature comforts that were available at the time too.

Thanks for this.  All this work has been done already by they guy I am buying her off.  He showed me everything he has done.  Only thing he didn't do was the last item which is a light to say passenger needs to put belt on.  It does have a lot of extras too.  We will see how it goes in terms of drive and reliability, but I am prepared to put some money into her.  Just hope she gets me home Saturday lol!

21 hours ago, dvderlm said:

Looks good. Better than Tornado pink.

 

If it's got lots of genuine history (and breakdown slips sounds honest) should be fine.

For a private sale you got to ask why were they selling it... or you could have paid for a pre-purchase inspection if an expensive car.

 

Is it due for cambelt renewal? 

Oddly she had a cam belt change by VW (I have receipts) at 35,000 and then again at 65,000 and another at 80,000??????  She also had new water pump at 57,000 again done by VW and have all documents.  Has full VW service history to 2009 and then done at local garages with limited milage driven after.  The way I look at it is it is a 20 year old car so I have to expect some stuff to go wrong but she purred like a tiger and appears structurally sound so worst case scenario is new engine or gear box and I would be willing to do it as I just love this car already.

Edited 15 December, 20169 yr by Buggirl

and another at 80,000??????

 

Genuine VW receipt with reg number from dealer still trading?

 

someone forgetful?

fooled by the garage that it is due every 40,000? or after some number of years... as not driven much.

coinciding with change of owner?

caused by another fault like water pump seize or an oil leak damaging belt rubber?

 

 

Edited 15 December, 20169 yr by dvderlm

3 hours ago, dvderlm said:

and another at 80,000??????

 

Genuine VW receipt with reg number from dealer still trading?

 

someone forgetful?

fooled by the garage that it is due every 40,000? or after some number of years... as not driven much.

coinciding with change of owner?

caused by another fault like water pump seize or an oil leak damaging belt rubber?

 

 

Yes all documents are printed with car reg on etc.  She seemed to do only 5,000 a year at that time.

Saw this car on eBay in my search for a polo. If it was a 6n I was after this would have been a very strong contender it being the 1.6 glx in a 3 dr no less! Personally I love it in red and it being an early one it doesn't have a lacquer top coat so no worries with peel. Anything less than the 1.6 / 16v power plant is underpowered for the 6n as it's quite a heavy car; so you should have lots of fun driving this one. 

 

It's in lovely nick so a great starting point. Good luck with it!

2 hours ago, pologamy said:

Saw this car on eBay in my search for a polo. If it was a 6n I was after this would have been a very strong contender it being the 1.6 glx in a 3 dr no less! Personally I love it in red and it being an early one it doesn't have a lacquer top coat so no worries with peel. Anything less than the 1.6 / 16v power plant is underpowered for the 6n as it's quite a heavy car; so you should have lots of fun driving this one. 

 

It's in lovely nick so a great starting point. Good luck with it!

Thanks

19 hours ago, pologamy said:

Saw this car on eBay in my search for a polo. If it was a 6n I was after this would have been a very strong contender it being the 1.6 glx in a 3 dr no less! Personally I love it in red and it being an early one it doesn't have a lacquer top coat so no worries with peel. Anything less than the 1.6 / 16v power plant is underpowered for the 6n as it's quite a heavy car; so you should have lots of fun driving this one. 

 

It's in lovely nick so a great starting point. Good luck with it!

 

The 6n isn't 'that' heavy, 1000kg at most. With the 1.6 8v that makes it 75bhp per ton so I wouldn't say underpowered. Not a rocket ship by any means but enough to keep up with modern traffic. 

17 hours ago, kwijibo_coupe said:

 

The 6n isn't 'that' heavy, 1000kg at most. With the 1.6 8v that makes it 75bhp per ton so I wouldn't say underpowered. Not a rocket ship by any means but enough to keep up with modern traffic. 

Well she pulled up o the drive yesterday morning as she was very kindly delivered to me by the previous owner (I was cheeky and asked if he wouldn't mind!). 

 

The bodywork is ok.  A couple of dents in boot, odd scratches and rear window is clearly leaking into the boot as there is evidence of slight rot and repair via filler under the window.  I will have to sort this ASAP.  I also have a sticking drivers side electric window which needs looking at.

 

after dubbing her up a little with flowers stickers and air freshener, I turned the key and she fired up like a good un!  Remember here that the last polo I have driven is a 2015 GTi, so I didn't know what to expect at all as couldn't remember far enough back to my  last 6n and 6n2!  

 

She was purring away and slotted into reverse sweet as anything.  Bite of clutch was not high but very difficult to gauge at first.  I reversed out and straight into first then second and third, fourth easy as anything.  Then I went for the brakes!  Holy poo!  I had to push down with every bit of weight/power I had!  I really thought I had none at first.  Then I remembered I have two tiny discs and two drums at the back!  I was scarred!  So practiced some stopping on side road to get used to them and then took her onto the dual carriageway!  Oh my goodness me!  I was not expecting such gripping and precise handling from a twenty year old car!  The pull of the 1.6 engine and the sound from her is delightful!  I couldn't stop smiling!  She I gorgeous to drive!  I love it!  She is quicker than I thought she would be and tears off the lights!

i will post some pics up today.

i have a genuine 1.6 GLX badge in the post to me and intend to put it on as you can see where the old one was and I just think that the car deserves to show off her credentials!

 

question from me is has anyone else upgraded to rear discs and if so how much will it set me back?

 

thanks

On 16/12/2016 at 18:42, pologamy said:

Saw this car on eBay in my search for a polo. If it was a 6n I was after this would have been a very strong contender it being the 1.6 glx in a 3 dr no less! Personally I love it in red and it being an early one it doesn't have a lacquer top coat so no worries with peel. Anything less than the 1.6 / 16v power plant is underpowered for the 6n as it's quite a heavy car; so you should have lots of fun driving this one. 

 

It's in lovely nick so a great starting point. Good luck with it!

Thanks

Looks really clean! Good find! :)

Well I am booking her in for a health check before using her every day so will update on results of that.  I am also going to fit rear LED number plate lights today!  Woooo hoo!

Looks really clean especially for a early 6n.

Nimal  

thanks

Edited 24 December, 20169 yr by Buggirl

She is booked in at Midland VW for a health check and full service on 30th December and I am now convinced it is going to be costly.  Need new tyres at the back I think I will need new brakes all round and I think I need a new clutch.  Also drivers window motor and new dizzy cap.  These are just a few things I can see.  Also, if I do need new suspension then I am going to lower her very slightly.  We shall see..........

I wouldnt be too concerned about cost, these things are dirt cheap to buy parts for

Thanks.  I am nervous this morning hope she starts as haven't driven her for a good few days!  Fingers crossed!

Well the dub appears to be a decent purchase after all!  She has just got a bit of wear on wheel bearing and a bolt missing from gearbox!  Also need new regulators on both electric windows but overall the said she has been looked after very well.  

Engine temp has been keeping low so they reckon the hard gasket is ok??

Called her 

escarchado

 

which is Spanish for frosty!  

My pressed metal plates and club polo number plates have arrived so will be fitting then the weekend providing not much snow!